Constructing Inclusive Masculinities

In an effort to counter orthodox masculinity, my work uses ornamentationand the insertion of my own queer body into a hyper masculine context, whichwill expand existing notions of masculinity, into more inclusive ones. I will discussissues of acceptance and visibility that affect queer athletes and the greaterimplications. My thesis exhibition will be completed in two parts: a liveperformance art piece and a gallery exhibition of sculpture and photography. Theartwork has an autobiographical point of departure informed by my own family'spersonal mythology surrounding our Scandinavian heritage, while also reflectingon my identity, as a queer, lower class person with a rural Saskatchewanupbringing. I use artwork as a tool to create discussion and dialogue, whichforwards my own agenda of creating more inclusive versions of masculinity. Thisis significant when looking at the social atmosphere facing queers in NorthAmerica.